McArthur Townhome Architectural Review Guidelines & Details

The following information answers questions that have come up regarding modifications to townhomes and multiple questions regarding back patio areas. The information is based on HOA guidelines as well as initial planning agreements between the builder, McArthur Homes, and the HOA. They also factor in city code requirements. If you have any questions, please contact the group that handles architectural reviews and approvals at hp_acc@googlegroups.com.

If you are thinking about a project, please read through the information below first. BEFORE work is started, please put together a detailed plan with your specific ideas and changes you are considering. Submit your plans for review at hp_acc@googlegroups.com. The plans must be approved before work begins. If you are just exploring ideas, you can email questions or ideas to the same email address for feedback.

FRONT & SIDE YARD LANDSCAPAING:

The townhome front and side yards outside your fenced patios are HOA maintained and have a planned/unified design. Do not make changes to those areas. If you want to accessorize with pots on your porch or steps, that can work. If you have concerns with the appearance of the maintained landscape areas please report it by email to maintenance@hp-hoa.org. Include your address and mention of the type of problem in the subject line.

Do not make request for work or repairs directly to the landscape maintenance crews. Please submit those requests using the maintenance email address above so the HOA can be aware of the issue and coordinate with the maintenance company. The maintenance company cannot provide services in areas that homeowners should maintain (like back patios).

BACK PATIO AREA MODIFICATIONS:

Although McArthur townhomes do have private fenced back patios, they are still visible from homes on other lots and should be maintained in a way that keeps them visually appealing. As with all homes in Harvest Park, including homeowner maintained homes, modifications to yards and landscaping requires approval and needs to comply with standards and guidelines.

1. ADDING SHRUBS: Adding small shrubs in your back patio does not need formal approval. You can find some recommended shrubs common in Harvest Park on this page or see examples here. Garden boxes are typically fine, but should also be submitted for approval.

2. PLANTER DRIP SYSTEMS: Drip systems to water plants added in the planter areas also need a permanent backflow on the spigot (example) (this is a city requirement because your spigot is connected to culinary drinking water), as well as an electronic timer (timer example).

3. ADDING SOD: If sod is added in middle units, or expanded in end units to replace planter areas, edging must be added around the entire sod area against the fence to keep it from growing into neighbor areas that are not sod. Artificial turf can be used in patio areas with approval.

4. SOD SPRINKLERS: If sod is added, it must have a non-removable backflow on the water attachment, and an electronic automatic timer (example), and in-ground sprinkler system for the sod. The backflow will need to be inspected by the city once completed (the city’s stated position on this). End units already have sod can just tie in to the existing irrigation system already installed for your yard. These irrigation systems must be maintained by the homeowner.

5. EQUIPMENT STORAGE & SHEDS: All equipment must be kept in an enclosed storage area, either the garage (and brought through the house) or in an enclosed storage shed that is located up against the house and is less than 6’ tall (the height of the fence). Outside storage sheds like this require ACC approval. Other shed structures would require more complicated ACC design approval, and would be unlikely to be approved.

6. PERGOLAS & SHADE STRUCTURES: Professionally installed pergolas can be added over patio areas. Detailed designs must be submitted and approved. Shed roof structures are not allowed. Any other structures would need to be reviewed and approved by the ACC. Patio furniture, umbrellas, etc. are fine and do not require approval.

7. TREES: Small ornamental trees may work in patio areas, and would need to be planted and trimmed in way to ensure they are contained in the fenced area and don't spill over into neighboring patios. Any tree would need to be submitted for review and approval. Requests for trees will consider the mature size of the trees.

MODIFICATIONS TO YOUR STRUCTURE:

As with landscaping, the exterior design, materials, and color schemes of the townhomes are intended to be uniform and harmonize. Do not make any changes to your exterior structure. Some variation in door styles is allowed under the designs, but the color needs to be maintained as the original approved color. If you want to modify your door, please submit it for approval to hp_acc@googlegroups.com. Small flag pole mounts can placed on porch columns.

All maintenance work on the structures if the responsibility of homeowners. If you do have repair or maintenance work that needs to be done, please coordinate with the HOA and the architectural control committee (hp_acc@googlegroups.com) to ensure it is done in a way that is consistent with the original design.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING (UNDER EAVES ABOVE GARAGE):

Because there is limited street lighting in Harvest Park (and all of Mapleton), we incorporated under eave lights that come on at dusk on all homes. The HOA will cover the cost of bulbs that have burned out, or other maintenance needed on the light systems. Please do not modify these lights on your own, or disable them. If you have a problem with these lights please report it to maintenance@hp-hoa.org.

BASEMENT FINISHES:

Basement finishes do not require HOA approval, but you will need a permit from Mapleton City. Note that accessory apartments are not allowed in Harvest Park (and some surrounding areas in the same Zone) under city code. Any basement space must be used for individuals all part of the same household (which can include roommates... it just can't be a separated living space).